Friends in France - An English Link for the Canal de Berry
Step One

Representatives from the Canal de Berry flew into Bristol Airport on Sunday 25th April 2010 for a fact-finding visit to the Cotswold Canals.

The reason for the visit was to initiate the formation of a partnership which might be of mutual benefit and even be the key to releasing European funding in the future.

Andre Barre and Madeleine Thonniet, President and Secretary of ARECABE (Association for the Reopening of the Canal de Berry) stayed on the B&B boat Eagle Spirit moored at Saul Junction. Andre brought some water from the Canal de Berry, which was poured with due ceremony from a French wine carafe into Wallbridge Lock.

A tour of interesting features on the Cotswold Canals including Ebley Mill, Sapperton Tunnel and Chalford Round House gave the visitors a feel for the scale of restoration and an understanding about the exciting times ahead as the £25 million restoration of the six miles centred on Stroud continues.

ARECABE has succeeded so far, in rewatering 17 km of the canal and two locks. It also organises festivals to raise money for the restoration.

Friends in France - A French Link for the Cotswold Canals
Step 3 - Return of the ARECABE officials!

Andre Barre and Madeleine Thonniet, President and Secretary of ARECABE returned to Stroud in April 2011. CCT members Polly & Neil Fothergill hosted them and set up a busy week for the pair.

 Andre and Madeleine joined in enthusiastically with the Stroud District Council Thursday regular volunteer day. They were engaged in towpath clearance and preparation for the new surface.

Msr. Barre commented on the professionalism of team leader Jon Pontefract. "The safety and task briefing was excellent and every one of us knew what we were expected to do. It was so interesting to be part of a group who worked hard together without impeding each other in any way" Andre is seen left taking a breather.

Madeleine, meanwhile, was hard at work!

Before flying to the far north of the UK to visit the Falkirk Wheel Andre & Madeleine spent a two hour discussion session with Cotswold Canals Trust Chief Executive Ken Burgin.

Trust member Louise Mantin once more acted as interpreter throughout the meeting.

Louise's skills impressed all present as she ably translated a range of complex and technical issues. Ken Burgin commented,

"It was interesting to hear that our French colleagues often experience similar levels of officialdom and fundraising challenges as we do."

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